Documentation Assistance for a Canadian Charity Registering as a U.S. Nonprofit

The Roll a Hippo Foundation is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to empowering marginalized women and children in rural African communities by delivering the innovative 'hippo water roller' by substantially easing the burden of daily water collection. As we expand our reach and impact, we recognize the critical need for us to access funders in the US. However, that requires the 501(c)(3) status which we currently do not possess.

In our pursuit of this goal, we have identified the need for a professional financial consultancy service to help us navigate the intricate process of applying for tax-exempt status in the United States. We require a seasoned financial consultant who can guide us through the intricacies of the 501(c)(3) application process. Securing the 501(c)(3) would provide a pivotal milestone that will not only enhance our credibility and transparency but also enable us to leverage additional resources to serve the rural communities in dire need of this simple innovation.

Using our CRA status in Canada, over the past five years, we have raised over $750,000 through Canadian funding sources. We have a proven track record of accountability and success.

The hippo water is an African-designed innovation that allows the transport of 5x more water than the traditional bucket-on-the-head method by putting the weight on the ground. It is a simple, innovative solution that allows individuals to transport large quantities of water with ease and efficiency. This is particularly crucial in areas where access to clean water is limited, and individuals, especially women and children, have to travel long distances to fetch water.

Providing marginalized communities with water rollers alleviates the burden of water collection. It immediately empowers individuals and improves their overall quality of life. This initiative not only addresses a pressing need but also promotes gender equality, as it reduces the time and physical strain traditionally placed on women and girls. It returns to women the time they spend on an arduous chore allowing them to refocus on more educational and economic opportunities. View this 3-minute video that will change your thinking about water, gender equality, and women's rights: >> In a Man's World:
https://youtu.be/R0PfmYA9nY4

While the roller was designed in 1991, it languishes in obscurity. The Roll a Hippo Foundation has the mission to put this simple tool on the world stage. However, the massive market that needs it -- over 700 million women collect water every day -- cannot afford it @ $150/unit. Until scale kicks in, funding this innovation will require access to the financial capacity of the huge US philanthropic audience.

We have been delivering the hippo roller, and a supplementary home garden kit, for over ten years with limited funding sources. An overview of our current project -- financed in part by a Canadian Family Foundation is available here: https://www.rollahippo.org/driefontein-project-report/

We are a small (no... a tiny foundation) with a huge vision and readily support anyone who wants to step in and help us bring this transformation tool to the masses.